Foundation Repair in South Eastern MA, Cape Cod & Rhode Island
Foundation Support Works of New England is our sister company! Contact them today for Foundation Repair in South Eastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod & Rhode Island.
What Causes Foundation Problems in Rhode Island or Massachusetts
A home is only as strong as the foundation it rests upon. However, if that Massachusetts or Rhode Island foundation isn't placed on good, firm ground, the strength of the foundation can be a moot point. Various changes in soils around the home have been proven to be the greatest source of foundation damage This damage can be caused and worsened by changes in soil density, weak load-bearing soils, and changes in moisture content within the strata. When a foundation problem is not addressed, it continues to worsen, and in some severe cases, it even leads to total failure of the walls or structure. Call or e-mail us today for a FREE, no-obligation foundation repair estimate in MA and RI!
Moisture Conditions in Foundation Soil
When moisture levels change dramatically in Rhode Island or Massachusetts foundation soils, the extremes between drought and heavy rains can result in significant foundation damage.
Foundation Soil Moisture
When the moisture content of soil shifts dramatically from dry to completely saturated in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, the swelling and shrinking of the soils can result in a damaged foundation. Water can enter the soil through a raised groundwater table, poor rainwater drainage in the soil, or through leaks in plumbing and water lines- all of which will expand the soil and raise the home upwards. Drought conditions especially affect clay soils, which can shrink and crack, causing even more disturbance and potential damage. And clay soils especially shrink dramatically in drought conditions, causing even further disturbance and potential damage to a foundation. Although it's very possible to design a home footing to spread the weight of the structure out and reduce the potential for settling, most construction projects for residential buildings are based on general building codes and guidelines and not specific soil conditions.
As the weight of a home structure compresses weak clay soils beneath it, water is forced from the soil, causing it to become denser and more packed. This soil consolidation causes downward movement in Plymouth, Weymouth, Taunton, Fall River, or Bridgewater foundations. The home can continue to sink for several years before it finally ceases to sink downwards. The process can take as much as several years before the home stops progressively sinking further downwards.
Poor Foundation Soil Compaction in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
Not all foundations in Weymouth, Bridgewater, Plymouth, Taunton, or Fall River are built on completely level ground. When the general contractors plan to build the home, they must first level off hills and fill in gaps with soil. This process can create a situation where the filled in areas are filled with loose backfilled soil, where other areas have dense, untouched ground that provides much more support.
Foundation Problems with Trees and Vegetation
Vegetation, foliage, and especially large trees can pull hundreds of gallons of moisture from the soil in a single hot day.
Trees and Vegetation around Foundations in Rhode Island or Massachusetts
Foliage, vegetation, and large trees located near the foundation in Bridgewater, Fall River, Taunton, Plymouth, or Weymouth are common causes of foundation settlement. As more and more moisture is drawn from the earth through the expanding root systems of maturing landscaping vegetation, the soil will begin to dry and shrink. When this vegetation is close to the foundation in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, the drying soil will cause the foundation to settle in the compacting strata. Especially in cases where the foundation is close the surface, a broad root system will be present and damaging to the home.
Why Foundation Walls Fail in MA, RI?
Poorly Drained Foundation Soil in Rhode Island or Massachusetts
Homes that have poor drainage in the yard, are experiencing poorly-maintained or nonexistent gutters, or experience an especially high volume of foundation water will face an increase of pressure against the foundation walls from this added volume. As water continues to build up, it's possible for it to exceed the load-bearing capacity of the walls, which in turn forces them to lean, bow, shear, and crack. This soil expansion will create a great deal of pressure on the walls, sometimes leading to several tons of lateral pressure per square foot! As the soil expands, lateral pressures exert force on the walls- sometimes with levels of pressure equaling several tons per square foot!
Responsible Foundation Repair Contractors in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
Foundation Repair Experts in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
Whatever your foundation repair needs happen to be, Dry Zone Basement Systems has the solution for you. Our staff of trained foundation specialists is ready to provide you with a free written estimate and inspection at no obligation at all to you. If you have foundation problems in Massachusetts including Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Quincy, Brookline, Weymouth, Taunton and Rhode Island including, Providence, Warwick, Pawtucket, Cranston, call or contact us for a free foundation inspection today!
